Suns losing streak continues despite 29 points by Tyler Johnson
Feb 23, 2019, 8:12 PM | Updated: Feb 24, 2019, 12:54 pm
Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
ATLANTA — The Phoenix Suns’ franchise-worst losing streak was extended to 17 games with a 120-112 loss Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks as Trae Young and Kent Bazemore each scored 23 points for Atlanta.
There were 13 lead changes and three ties in the first half, but the Suns were just 1 for 1 on free throws while Atlanta was 14 of 15. The Hawks led 63-59 at the break, but Phoenix got 17 points from Tyler Johnson in the third quarter to lead by one heading into the fourth.
The Suns took their biggest lead at eight on a pair of free throws by DeAndre Ayton with 5:46 remaining. Omari Spellman answered with five points on Atlanta’s next two possessions, and Phoenix went without a field goal for the final 4:16.
John Collins finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds for Atlanta, which snapped a two-game skid to avoid a home loss against the NBA’s worst team. Just two weeks ago at State Farm Arena, the Hawks allowed the New York Knicks, last in the Eastern Conference, to snap an 18-game slide.
Young stepped back and made a deep straightaway 3-pointer to force a 105-all tie. He hit a pair of free throws at the 2:56 mark to give Atlanta the lead for good.
Johnson scored 29 points, and Devin Booker added 26 for the Suns. Ayton had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
TIP-INS
Suns: Haven’t won since Jan. 12 against Denver and have just two victories in their last 26 games. … They have allowed at least 111 points in each game of the losing streak.
UP NEXT
Suns: Visit the Miami Heat on Monday.
